Membrane sealed keyboard
Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and lies between inner and outer keycaps. The flexible layer prevents intrusion of invasive material to the keyboard mechanisms and simplifies the appearance of the keyboard area. Some flexible layers help align keycaps by connecting inner and outer keycaps or by providing a mechanical connection interface for the keycaps. Some membranes used in the flexible layer have a layered or composite construction that increases durability and tear resistance by attaching or infusing a mesh material or other tough material to a less durable, elastic material.
1 . A keyboard, comprising:
a flexible membrane comprising a first layer and a second layer;
a pair of keycaps comprising an outer keycap positioned on top of the first layer and an inner keycap positioned on bottom of the second layer, wherein a first edge of the outer keycap is aligned with a second edge of the inner keycap;
a rigid base support having an upper end including a top surface, a side surface, and a downward-facing surface, wherein the first layer and the second layer contact, cover, and are attached to each of the top surface, the side surface, and the downward-facing surface; and
a pair of key mechanisms positioned between the base support and the pair of keycaps.
2 . The keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises a material having greater toughness than a material of the first layer.
3 . The keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the first layer comprises a silicone material or a rubber material.
4 . The keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a composite material.
5 . The keyboard of claim 1 , further comprising a housing, wherein the housing and the downward-facing surface define a recess with a lateral opening.
6 . The keyboard of claim 5 , wherein the recess is sized and shaped to inhibit access to an end portion of the flexible membrane positionally spaced inward of the lateral opening.
7 . The keyboard of claim 1 , wherein an end portion of the flexible membrane is positioned underneath the downward-facing surface and is flush against an inner side surface of the base support.
8 . The keyboard of claim 7 , wherein the first layer is flush against the inner side surface.
9 . A keyboard input device, comprising:
a base support positioned at a bottom end and having a top surface forming a top surface edge;
an inner flexible membrane positioned above and extending across the top surface of the base support;
an outer flexible membrane extending across the inner flexible membrane above the inner flexible membrane relative to the base support, the outer flexible membrane including a continuous exterior upper surface having a planar surface portion extending across the entire base support inward of the top surface edge; and
an electronics unit including a set of switch structures positioned between the base support and the inner flexible membrane.
10 . The keyboard input device of claim 9 , wherein the outer flexible membrane comprises an elastomeric material.
11 . The keyboard input device of claim 9 , wherein the outer flexible membrane comprises a uniform appearance formed of a single, consistent texture and color.
12 . The keyboard input device of claim 9 , wherein the inner flexible membrane comprises a mesh material or a composite material.
13 . The keyboard input device of claim 9 , wherein the inner flexible membrane is more resistant to tearing, penetration, or plastic deformation relative to the outer flexible membrane.
14 . The keyboard input device of claim 9 , wherein the inner flexible membrane is adhered or co-molded to the top surface.